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Street in Saisalito, CA, USA.
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Stuck in a Second Mortgage in the Bay Area? Hit Reset With Equity Sharing

Many Bay Area homeowners are feeling the squeeze from their second mortgage or HELOC. Monthly payments might be creeping higher. Variable rates might be climbing. And everyday living costs in the Bay Area — from groceries to insurance to childcare — aren’t exactly trending down. What once felt like a smart way to access cash has now become another source of monthly stress.

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How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?
Renovations & Remodeling
How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?

Owning a home takes more than just paying your mortgage. It’s also about keeping up with repairs, maintenance, and the occasional renovation to keep your property safe, efficient, and enjoyable. But how much should you actually budget for all of that, especially over decades of ownership?

woman running a business
Financial Health
Top 5 Myths About Owning Your Own Business

Many would-be entrepreneurs talk themselves out of it before they even begin, thanks to a handful of persistent myths. But the truth is, owning a business is possible. And while it takes some serious work, it’s not reserved for the ultra-rich, ultra-connected, or ultra-lucky.

rundown house as an example of buying a home as-is
Homeownership
How Bad Is It To Buy A Home “As-Is”?

The phrase “as-is” shows up often in real estate listings, and it tends to raise eyebrows. For some buyers, it feels like an opportunity – a chance to get a deal on a property that others might overlook. For others, it sounds like a trap.

Las Vegas, Nevada home
Home Equity
Equity Sharing in Nevada: A Practical Guide for Las Vegas Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner in the Las Vegas area, you’ve likely seen your home’s value fluctuate over the years — sometimes quickly, sometimes unpredictably. Many homeowners have built meaningful equity by holding on through those cycles, improving their homes steadily, and staying rooted while the city evolved.

People looking at laptop with the current home interest rates on it.
Financial Health
What Is the Fed — and Who Controls Interest Rates?

This isn’t just Econ 101 homework. There are real life impacts at play! If you have a credit card, savings account, mortgage, or loan, understanding how the Fed works can help you make smarter real-life money moves – even in a shifting market.

a newly renovated kitchen.
Renovations & Remodeling
What Is a Home Improvement Loan? Financing Options Explained

If you're planning a renovation, you may be wondering: What is a home improvement loan? Despite the popularity of the term, there isn’t really a single loan by that name. It’s actually a catch-all term that refers to any financing used to upgrade, repair, or renovate a home.

Home Equity
Equity Sharing Agreements: A Clear, Honest Guide for Homeowners

If you own a home, there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a significant amount of equity. The challenge? Most of it is trapped in your property – which means it can’t help you cover pressing needs like renovating an aging home, paying down debt, saving for retirement, or investing in new opportunities.

Home Equity
Living in California? Use Home Equity for Debt Relief, Without Another Monthly Payment

For many California homeowners, the pressure isn’t just the daily cost of living. It’s also the weight of high-interest debt – credit cards, medical bills, car loans, student loans – all can make it feel like you’re running in place, even if the home you own has appreciated in value over the years.

Homeownership
Equity Sharing in California: Guide for Bay Area Homeowners

If you’re a Bay Area homeowner, you probably know the feeling: your home has gone up in value, but using that value – for big expenses, renovations, or paying down debt – doesn’t feel as simple as it should.

Homeownership
Home Improvement Projects Worth Doing Before You List Your Home

Getting ready to sell your home? The right improvements can boost your sale price, attract more buyers, and make for a smoother closing – but not all upgrades are worth the investment. Whether you’re looking to maximize curb appeal or reduce negotiation headaches, a few small changes can go a long way.

Homeownership
2026 Housing Market Outlook: What Homeowners Should Watch For

After several years of tension and volatility, the housing market heading into 2026 looks more measured. We’re seeing fewer headlines about runaway prices, and fewer fears of a sudden collapse. Instead, economists are pointing to a market that’s slowly finding its footing.

Homeownership
7 Reasons 2026 Could Be the Year to Put Your Home Equity To Work

After several years of tension and volatility, the housing market heading into 2026 looks more measured. We’re seeing fewer headlines about runaway prices, and fewer fears of a sudden collapse. Instead, economists are pointing to a market that’s slowly finding its footing.